Optical Reconstruction of Dinosaur Feather Iridescence: Fossil Structural Color
By / Jul 18, 2025
The discovery of iridescent feathers in dinosaur fossils has revolutionized our understanding of prehistoric life. For decades, paleontologists assumed that dinosaurs were predominantly dull-colored, with shades of gray and brown dominating their appearance. However, recent advances in fossil analysis techniques have revealed that many theropod dinosaurs, particularly those closely related to modern birds, sported vibrant, iridescent plumage. This revelation not only changes how we visualize these ancient creatures but also provides critical insights into their behavior, ecology, and evolutionary relationships.